Concierge Medicine: A New Approach for Diagnosis and Treatment

[MeaganM]

I have discovered an emerging nationwide medical practice group who practices concierge medicine and I think this might be the solution to finding answers and possibly getting treatment (at least for the co-infections).

I saw a doctor today who is part of this group and he may be the answer to my prayers. Concierge doctors have separated themselves from main stream medicine because they were tired of not getting to know the patients and pushing them out the door because they were seeing 1,000 patients a day. These doctors care about their patients and felt it was unethical and dangerous to see so many patients in such a short amount of time. Now, as part of a group, they can only have between 100-300 patients total.

They get to know each patient. The appointments are as long as needed and the doctor is available 24/7. They even give their patients their cell phone numbers to call them directly anytime they are needed. They will refer you to specialist but they will call the doctor one on one and tell the doctor what the patients history is and what is expected i.e. for a Derm to do a biopsy. If you end up in the hospital, they will personally show up at the hospital and take over your care... even if it's an accident.

I had a free "meet and greet" with my new doctor today and gave him a little history of my medical issues. He was actually excited to take on the challenge. Most of them are Internal Medicine docs so they are knowledgeable. I didn't mention M and probably wont but I will tell him all my symptoms and get him to put it all together.

They also take most insurances which really surprised me. Other than that, there is an annual fee. Each group charges a different fee (some expensive and some not so much). The one I saw today is $1500/year or $150/ month but to me it is worth it.

Anyway, I wanted to let you all know about this service for anyone who is interested. From what I have read, there are many different groups out there and they are in every state.

[tcmgpt13]

That's great news Meagan! I hope this doctor will help you get to the bottom of some of your symptoms as well as devise helpful treatments for you. It is exciting to hear about this possibility.

I see you wrote that you are in a lot of pain these days and am very sorry to hear that. It is a hard place many of us have been with this disease. Believe me, I sympathize.

I think I may look into this new concept for treating patients as it would be wonderful to have a doctor closer to me than the one I have been seeing. The doctors in my area are all pretty conventional. The one doctor I saw recently for an ear infection told me that every infectious disease doctor in my area requires a formal referral from another doctor, whether or not you actually need one as far as insurance requirements. It sounds like they all have their noses high in the air and would not be helpful in any way.

Anyway, thanks for sharing this news with all of us here. I hope you keep us posted as far as how you fare with this new type of concierge doctoring.

tcmxx

[Pollyringworm]

I'd definitely pay. Is there a website for this practice? Are they only in your area?

[janedoe]

theres a tv show 'royal pains' its these 2 dudes in the hamptons that are concierge docs...

[MeaganM]

If you type in concierge medical groups, there are a few online. The one I joined is in every state. The doctors have to sign an agreement to only have a few patients and provide individual care. Here is what it says: (I blocked out the name because I don't want anyone to think that I am trying to sell this group or concept). If you cannot find one, PM me and I can give you the name of a few.


My practice is different from other primary care practices because it revolves entirely around you – your health, your goals, your needs. My affiliation with ________ keeps my practice small, which allows me to spend more time with you and give you the personal attention you deserve. We can actually get to know each other and work as equal partners to reach your wellness goals and help prevent long-term illnesses.

At _____, the partnership between you and your doctor sparks a friendlier and more thorough healthcare experience. Members have enjoyed:

Doctors with varied health interests and expertise, including nutrition, fitness, emotional well-being and more. And because they are allowed to see fewer patients per day, they get to know their patients well and offer them comprehensive care that can improve all aspects of their patients’ lives.

Doctors who can work with you to ensure you receive all the recommended preventive services.

Doctors with flexible schedules and a faster response time to their patients’ questions. You can often make same-day or next-day appointments and can reach your doctor 24 hours a day.

Wellness coaching that fits your specific needs so you can more effectively improve your overall health and help stop long-term illnesses from happening.

Doctors who integrate advancements in medical technology and the latest healthcare innovations. For example, all our patients get an electronic copy of their medical records and benefit from the latest in diagnostic testing.

Entry into the Medical Centers of Excellence program which connects you to nationwide medical specialists should you need extra care.

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We recommend that you schedule your annual wellness services with your yearly physical. The number of wellness appointments available each day is limited in order to accommodate patients with routine and urgent medical needs. The extensive _______ wellness program is completed in two visits. The first visit will consist of lab draws and numerous health assessments performed by my staff. About 10 - 14 days later, we will complete your wellness services along with your annual physical and we will discuss your lab results, health progress and wellness goals.

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